Crushing the top 6 myths about Reiki in shelters

There are far too many animals in shelters around the world, and all of them could benefit from the healing power of Reiki. In the U.S. alone, 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters each year. Because Reiki helps stressed or abused animals rebuild trust with humans, it’s crucial to their healing and adoptability. But many Reiki practitioners still avoid shelters and rescues—maybe because they believe some of the following myths and misconceptions about Reiki in a shelter environment. Let’s crush these stereotypes once and for all and illuminate six happy truths about rescue Reiki:

Myth #1: If Reiki isn’t on their radar, you will be turned away. Many shelters are interested in holistic modalities and are always looking for enrichment and companionship for the animals in their care. Even skeptical shelters will happily take you on as a regular volunteer, and in time they may become more open to your sharing of Reiki in addition to your regular duties.

Myth #2: You have to enter the animal’s kennel to be effective. Reiki is about connecting hearts, not hands. Physical contact is not required, and in fact, for many fearful animals, it is preferable to remain outside the animal’s enclosure when sharing Reiki.

Myth #3: You shouldn’t volunteer if you are just a novice. You may be a novice to Reiki, but if you love animals, you are already an expert in compassionate presence with them. Your Reiki tools will help deepen your ability to connect with even the most challenging cases. (Just starting out? Check out this page for free audios to help you begin your journey.)

Myth #4: You have to focus on one animal at a time. The Reiki space is inclusive, not exclusive. All of the animals around you who are open to sharing Reiki will be able to benefit from your meditative presence. In fact, the more animals who choose to participate, the stronger the space will be.

Myth #5: You need to wait for a quiet time in the shelter for Reiki to be effective. There probably will never be a perfectly quiet scenario inside a bustling animal shelter, but that’s OK. Reiki will assist you in transcending even chaotic situations so that you can create a beautiful, peaceful haven that even the most stressed animals can sense and will be drawn to. And finally, for my favorite myth of all …

Myth #6: The staff will think you’re batshit crazy. This might be true at first, but trust me, hang in there; in time and with quiet patience and dedicated practice, the amazing healing results of Reiki meditation can transform even the most ardent anti-Reiki know-it-all (we’ve all encountered them) into a believer. Soon they will have your number on speed dial to help their companion animals at home, too! So don’t hesitate any longer. Get out there. Make a connection with your local shelter—the animals need you!

Kathleen Prasad is an entrepreneur, author, educator, spiritual seeker and animal advocate living in beautiful Marin County, California, with her husband, daughter, dog and two horses. She loves being with animals, listening to hip-hop, eating out at vegan restaurants, riding dressage, hiking in the redwoods and traveling the world to meet animal people.You can learn more about Kathleen here.

Comments (6)

Becky Stawarski

I just started my own canine massage business Hands Healing Hounds (check me out on fb 😉 and I started volunteering, working on the animals at my local humane society. The dogs love it, they usually fall asleep. I haven’t taken any classes on reiki yet but I want to become certified. Any recommendations of online courses I could take or would you recommend hands on? I don’t drive so that’s making things tough. Any suggestions tips are appreciated.

Hi Becky, that is great you are doing canine massage! I would recommend my book Reiki for Dogs as a good introduction for you – there are many meditations to try 🙂 I also have an audio course that goes along with the book if you want more support:http://www.animalreikisource.com/reiki-for-dogs

That’s wonderful to hear! Don’t force hands-on: let the kitties choose physical contact if they like; if not that’s ok too. See with your “Reiki eyes” – with your heart – see their perfection in this very moment – their beautiful light is always perfect, no matter what has happened to them or what struggles they might face. In this moment, all is well in the Reiki space 🙂 Have fun too!

About Our Blog

It’s a Heartful Life aims to be an antidote to the message, “It’s a hard knock life.” We want to inspire readers with positivity and feature individuals, organizations and businesses in the areas of food, style, design, animals and travel who are doing great and positive things in this world.

IAHL is a lifestyle blog (with a special interest in animal Reiki) that's dedicated to healthy, heartful living–something that’s even more important to Kathleen now since becoming a two-time cancer survivor. When we remember to live life from the heart, we bring happiness, goodness and healing to our world. Thanks for stopping by!

It’s a Heartful Life is curated and managed by sisters Kathleen Prasad and Charlotte Jensen.

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